The World Beyond Your Head

The World Beyond Your Head: On Becoming an Individual in an Age of Distraction

By Matthew B. Crawford

Our world is full of distractions, and we are surrounded by constant attention-demanding objects.

Our world is full of distractions, and we are surrounded by constant attention-demanding objects such as phone, tablets, computers, etc. Interconnectivity opened new doors and gave us many opportunities, but in turn, it stripped us away from focus and concentration for extended periods of time. Now, we crave constant stimulation. ; now we ignore the important things in life and favor small, insignificant stimuli.

In this book, Crawford emphasizes that the human race values autonomy and education, and that skilled practices might increase our ability to concentrate. Mastering a new skill requires dedicating time and focusing on producing a valuable result. And because of our shrinking attention span, companies compete to place their products at eye level.

Crawford advises that you can manipulate yourself to increase your focus. An example given in the book is setting all the tools you need at a proximity, so you don’t waste time searching needlessly for them.

Despite our belief that we all make decisions rationally based on our individual values and needs, the truth is that our environments affect our decisions to a great extent. Our desire to fit in the society and avoid embarrassing social situations drive us to exert much control over our lives. Once we are in a tricky social situation or facing an unpredictable human reaction, we retreat to our shells to regain our sense of control.

Many are narcissistic or self-centered, which harms themselves as self-centered and narcissists are in constant desperate of need other people to gain the validation and acceptance. Such type of individuals faces difficulties in communicating with others and usually lose their attention quickly. And they fall into a vicious cycle of self-repercussion and loss of attention.

According to, Crawford, everyone should practice a unique skill the requires investing his/her time and effort and paying more attention to one another. The author emphasizes that once we gain our attention back , we are in the right direction to mental health and happiness.